With warmer weather and longer days ahead, there’s no excuse not to get outside and enjoy all that Iowa has to offer this spring. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, exploring local farmers markets or simply enjoying a picnic in the park, the opportunities for fun are endless. So, grab your sunscreen and dive headfirst into spring in Iowa.
Lavender Festival: The 2025 PepperHarrow Lavender Festival is a celebration of incredible beauty, fragrance, and farm experience in Winterset, Iowa. You can experience the many fields of blooming lavender, grab some refreshing lavender-infused drinks, and enjoy a great time filled with live music, artisan vendors, hands-on crafting and much more.
Tulip Festival: Tulips are coming to Bloomsbury for the first time ever this spring for the Iowa Tulip Festival. Go see the colorful fields of tulips, take some memorable photos and meet adorable baby animals. Opening in late April- mid-May, the festival has over 200,000 tulips in bloom across more than 30 varieties, with an amazing display of color and beauty. You can walk through the fields and create your own bouquets at the pre-picked flower bar. Beyond the blooming flowers, the festival also has adorable baby farm animals and a variety of family-friendly attractions, like a mini zip line, jumping pillow, giant swing and more.
Farmers markets: There’s no better way to embrace spring than by supporting local farmers and artisans at Iowa’s vibrant farmers markets. From fresh produce to handmade goods, these markets are bursting with the harvest of the season. Iowa City is known for its farmers’ market, with lots of vendors and things to see.
Chalk the Walk: A perfect opportunity to express your artistic talents, or to just walk around the colorful downtown of Mount Vernon, is Chalk the Walk. There will be more than 500 artists of all ages showcasing their talents on the streets of downtown on May 3-4. Celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary. You can come to wander, but it’s encouraged to participate in a large community piece that is displayed for the entire town to see.
As the days get longer and the sun shines a little brighter, spring is the perfect time to make the most of every moment. Whether you’re heading outside for some adventure, enjoying peaceful downtime or making memories with friends, there’s something for everyone this season. So take a deep breath, soak in the fresh air and let spring be your reminder that it’s the perfect time to go outside and enjoy the beauty of life.
